SUCCESS STORY - Kalee Gracse

For some people, losing weight isn't as important as finally feeling healthy. This month's Success Story introduces you to Kalee Gracse, a woman who fought through physical and emotional challenges - and won.

Kalee fought weight and depression for years. "I ate no matter what. I tried everything I could think of and it never worked," she says. "It got to the point that I ate all the time when I was depressed. The only thing I wanted to eat was candy and chocolate."

Like many people, Kalee had visited various professionals throughout the years, but nothing really seemed to help. "I was overweight for 10 years, and gaining weight every year. I was 30 pounds overweight when I saw Dr. Mein. When I saw her, I was basically at the end."

During her first appointment, Dr. Mein used Transpersonal Physiology, a healing technique combining acupuncture and chiropractic, and also typed Kalee as a Balanced type. "I was able to see the difference in a few hours," says Kalee. "It was like having the power turned back on." After reviewing the Balanced diet, she realized it was something easy for her to follow. "These are all the foods I love. Finally, I knew what to buy at the store," she joked.

Even if she thought she was eating foods she loved, Kalee still had to change some eating habits. One habit was eating more protein, something depleted Balanced types need to emphasize. "When I started the diet, I ate what seemed to be a huge amount of protein. But after eating all that protein (sometimes 16 ounces a day), I felt full, satisfied and I didn't graze. Food became, 'I've got to eat again.'"

It wasn't just the diet Kalee found useful. The personality profile for her type gave her additional information about how she worked. "I completely got how I was, why I was different and it was OK. I was glad to know it was normal to have certain struggles." Reading the personality profiles of her friends and family helped her understand them better, too. "I've learned how to use other people's strong points. Our differences are now power!"

Today, a few months into her diet, Kalee is doing great. "I've never once consciously tried to lose weight. In fact, I lost eight pounds by eating more food! I'm relaxed and confident about my health. I know what to do - and now that I do, I feel much better. I'm more at peace with who I am and my body is satisfied."

What advice does Kalee have for new body typers? Take it slow! "If you think you can take it on, do it! If the diet looks like a struggle, take on a piece at a time." And, are beets right for your type but you can't stand them? "If you see foods you don't like, don't eat them," advises Kalee. "But try them again after you've followed the diet to see if your tastes change."

Want to learn more about Transpersonal Physiology? Check out next month's Body Type eNewsletter for more about this healing technique.